Solstice
Sloop Brewing

 

L: Glows deep in the glass, like the inferno room from the scene in that Indiana Jones movie. LThankfully, ss brains serves in monkey skulls, however.

S: I could swear that this boy has been dry-tangerined. It smells like brights citrus.

T: and I DID swear to the bartender that served me this that it was brewed with loads of citrus fruits. Nope, he told me, that's just hops. I didn't believe him, and we got into a verbal altercation that escalated, and...well I'll spare you the details.

F: a little too tart on the feel. A bit too puckery.

O: an unbelievable drink at a low ABV leads to a refreshing afternoon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pours dark for a Belgian Pale, which is my designation for this, amber for sure, with a finger of white foam that quickly acquiesces to bubbly film and leaves some spotty lace. It is almost clear, but has some fine yeast in it to keep a bit cloudy.

Mmm that tart with hints of clove Belgian yeast the Sloop Boys go for, almost saison-like but not really peppery, some even lighter aromas of lemony citrus and wheat.

Taste is a med. strength and well balanced treat. It starts with yeast and wheaty cracker, adds citrus zest, and some nice spice, and ends with the tart and a beautiful and lightest hint of herbal spice and hop.

Just right body, light and refreshing, just right carb., zesty not carbonic, and a finish that is just juicy and complex enough to warrant being considered fine for a Belgian Pale. Only hit is a tiny one, just a bit of resin buildup after a bit, that absolutely doesn't diminish how good this is.

With such a wide modern take on what this style is I had no qualms aboiut pegging this as a BP, even given the color, and it is good enough to not be ashamed to be categorized alongside some of the world's best beers that are brewed in this style.